New York, N.Y.---- After leading the 2020 San Jose State University Mountain West champion football team with five touchdown receptions and being named a semifinalist for the 2020 John Mackey National Tight End Award, Derrick Deese, Jr., is one of 56 players named to the award's preseason watch list.
Deese, Jr., had his best season to date at the major college level in 2020 catching 20 passes for 240 yards and five scores. A "clutch" pass catcher for the #24th ranked Spartans according to the Associated Press' final poll a year ago, each of his touchdown receptions occurred on a third-down play. He accounted for both of San Jose State's touchdowns in the 17-6 season-opening win against Air Force. Deese, Jr., scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 5-yard play in the second-half against Nevada to propel San José State into the Mountain West championship game.
Besides earning national recognition last year as a John Mackey National Tight End Award semifinalist, Deese, Jr., was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection.
The 2021 San José State University graduate is in his fourth season playing major college football. He played two seasons at Golden West College at the community college level before transferring to San Jose State. His dad, Derrick Deese played 11 NFL seasons as an offensive lineman, 10 with San Francisco and his final season in 2004 with Tampa Bay.
From the players listed on the watch list, semifinalists will be announced in early November 1. Three finalists will be named before Thanksgiving. This year's winner will be presented on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 9.
Season tickets for the 2021 San Jose State University football six-game home schedule are available by visiting https://am.ticketmaster.com/sjsuathletics/21football or by calling 408-924-7589.